The term "isotope" refers to:

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Atoms with the same number of protons but different neutrons

Rationale:

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This means that while they have the same atomic number, they have different mass numbers.
The chemical properties of isotopes are typically very similar because they have the same electron configuration. However, their physical properties, such as density and atomic mass, can differ significantly due to the difference in neutron numbers.

Explanation of Other Options:

Atoms with the same atomic mass

Rationale: This option is incorrect because isotopes have different atomic masses due to the variance in the number of neutrons. The atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons, so different neutron numbers will result in different atomic masses.

Molecules with similar functions

Rationale: This option is incorrect as isotopes are not molecules; they are specific types of atoms of an element. The term "isotope" refers to atomic structure, not molecular function.

Ions with different charges

Rationale: This option is incorrect because ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge. Isotopes, on the other hand, are neutral atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the correct definition of an isotope is "atoms with the same number of protons but different neutrons." This characteristic allows isotopes of an element to share chemical properties while differing in physical properties due to their different masses.